Regional towns like Junee will soon see an increase in drought support thanks to a new online Christmas campaign.
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Buy from the Bush founder Grace Brennan said she turned to social media to help businesses find new customers outside of their drought stricken communities and was amazed when the number of followers skyrocketed from zero to 26,000 in eight days.
"This all started as a hashtag on social media but it's become so powerful because it's a simple way for people in the city who want to spend their money in the bush to see beautiful things they like and buy them," Ms Brennan said.
The initiative advanced to become part of the NSW government's Buy Regional campaign centred around an online hub.
The Buy Regional hub is divided into six categories: wine, fashion, food, gifts for kids, art and design, and Christmas hampers.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the boost to rural businesses was essential to keeping towns afloat.
"There's no doubt a drought affects an entire community and it's during times like these - when we are experiencing unprecedented conditions - we need to support our local retailers and producers most," she said.
"As a community, we can help ease the burden by giving retailers the present they want most this Christmas - customers."
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Ms Cooke said while Christmas was a good focal point, the aid must continue beyond the festive season.
"There are a number of stores in Junee with a range of products that would be lovely to give as a present this year, but even as we ring in the New Year - it's important we continue to support our local retailers and producers," she said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the initiative would help both sellers and buyers.
"Everywhere I go people tell me about the images they've seen and the stories they've heard of how drought is affecting people in the bush and that they want to do something to help, but they're not sure how," he said.
"Every dollar you spend with a regional retailer or producer helps keep that small business afloat, supports jobs in that town and gets money flowing through the local economy, which is exactly what is needed while we wait for the drought to break."
Mr Barilaro thanked the founders and supporters of all the online entrepreneurs helping connect regional businesses to city shoppers, along with organisations that are providing support on top of the NSW government's drought package.